Williamsburg Public Art Council

City of Williamsburg Agenda Williamsburg Public Art Council Meeting Monday, November 27, 2023 @ 3:30 PM Stryker Center (Room 127), 412 N Boundary St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 Page I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. October 30, 2023 - WPAC Minutes 2-4 WPAC - October 2023 Minutes - draft III. CHAIR'S REPORT IV. STAFF REPORT a. Midtown Row Fall Festival b. Marquee Wall - Mural Update c. Tourism Development Fund Application Approval V. NEW BUSINESS a. Public Art Plan - Goals and Action Items 5 - 11 WPAC - Public Art Plan - Details Draft b. Future Projects VI. NEXT MEETING a. The next meeting is Monday, January 29, 2024, at 3:30 PM in Room 127 at the Stryker Center. VII. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 11 The Williamsburg Public Art Council met at 3:30 pm, Monday, October 30, 2023, in room 127 at the Stryker Center, 412 N Boundary Street, Williamsburg, Virginia. WPAC members present: Robert Currie, Rachel Trichler, Pat Dent, Harold Philipsen, Barbara Vollmer, Sally Wolfe WPAC members absent: Barbara Ramsey, Scott Spence Staff members present: Joanna Skrabala (Tourism Development Specialist), Sarah Seward (Economic Development Administrative Coordinator) Others present: Hannah Warner (Midtown Row) I. Call to Order Mr. Currie called the meeting to order at 3:36 pm. II. Approval of Minutes a. September 25, 2023 – WPAC Minutes Mr. Philipsen made a motion to approve the September minutes. Seconded by Ms. Wolfe. Approved by all present. III. Chair’s Report There was no report at this time. IV. Staff Update a. CODASummit 2023 Ms. Skrabala provided an overview and update of the CODA Summit. In attendance of the CODASummit were a mix of artists, government agencies, and numerous arts commissions and councils. b. Public Art Plaques Ms. Skrabala provided an update on the public art plaques and shared an image of the plaque layout and design. c. 2024 Calendar Ms. Skrabala shared the 2024 WPAC meeting schedule Page 2 of 11  V. Old Business a. Midtown Row Fall Festival Ms. Skrabala reported on the schedule and photo contest for the Midtown Row Fall Festival. Ms. Skrabala asked Hannah Warner how many entries are allowed per person. Ms. Warner said that there is a maximum of two entries per person. VI. New Business a. Consideration and Approval of WPAC Application Revisions Moved by Wolfe, seconded by Trichler, that the Williamsburg Public Art Council approve the revisions to the application for funding and/or approval of public art on both City- owned and private property pursuant to City Council Ordinance #21-01 and Resolution #21-03. b. Public Art Plan & Goals Ms. Skrabala reported that she has engaged in conversations with the City Manager to discuss the goals of the WPAC. Ms. Skrabala provided the WPAC with a strategic plan outline for FY24 and FY25. Ms. Skrabala reported that there needs to be deadlines set to accomplish the goals provided in the outline. Ms. Skrabala asked who would be interested in serving on a committee to help fine tune the plan. Mr. Philipsen, Mr. Dent, and Mr. Currie volunteered. VII. Mural Program at Midtown Row a. Marquee Wall – Consideration and Approval of a Mural Design The WPAC reviewed and discussed the 5 different color variations for the Marquee Wall. Ms. Warner reported that Midtown Row prefers Variation 5 but trusts the WPAC’s decision. Mr. Currie and Ms. Skrabala will have another discussion with Mr. Warren of Branded Arts. Moved by Philipsen, seconded by Dent, that the Williamsburg Public Art Council approve Variation 4 by artist Muro for installation on the Marshalls wall facing Monticello Avenue, located at 1252 Richmond Road, Williamsburg VA, pursuant to City Council Ordinance #21-01 and Resolution #21-03. VIII. Next Meeting The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 27, 2023, at 3:30 pm in Room 127 Page 3 of 11  at the Stryker Center. IX. Adjournment Mr. Currie made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:28 PM, and Ms. Trichler seconded. Approved by all present. _______________________________________________ Joanna Skrabala, Tourism Development Specialist* *For Scott Spence (Secretary) who was absent during the meeting Page 4 of 11  WILLIAMSBURG PUBLIC ART COUNCIL Guide to Strategic Policy and Long-Term Planning ENABLING LEGISLATION On February 11, 2021, as an initiative of the Williamsburg City Council, the Williamsburg Public Arts Council (WPAC) was created to curate a public art program. WPAC is tasked to engage in a review process, funding strategies and planning for a public art program, and is enabled through City Ordinance #21-01. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND The Williamsburg Public Art Council is organized to: • Advise the City Council on the acquisition, donation, commission and/or funding of public art • Advise on acceptance of gifts and loans of public art and any deaccession of public art from the City’s collection • Develop policies regarding determination of artist qualifications, criteria specific to site attribution, maintenance of public art • Develop a plan for the broad implementation of a robust public art program • Administer public art grant programs on behalf of the City Council • Solicit public art and donations to acquire public art according to the authorization of City Council • Provide an annual report to the City regarding WPAC activities, to include fund expenditures, grants issued, and status of awards, art inventory, maintenance and general status of the public art program WPAC members are engaged as a qualified advisory group for all program areas and types to include planning, design, artistic practice, public policy, and local government consult. STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS The planning process is being initiated following early WPAC discussions regarding review processes for proposals. Discussions of organizational vision were also held, and public opinion was sought through surveys and dialog with public art administrators in a wide demographic area. It is the intention of the WPAC that this plan shall serve as a working document and guide to support a Public Art Program for the City of Williamsburg that provides enrichment for the community and its visitors highlighting the beauty and unique character of the City, its culture and history and to promote community connection. STRATEGIC PLAN Page 5 of 11  2022-2025 MISSION To curate a program of public art that enhances the innovative and creative environment that celebrates the City’s past, present, and future, reflects the community’s identity, and advances Williamsburg as a world-class destination. VISION To sustain an accessible, inclusive, and engaging program of public art that speaks to the unique lifestyle and cultural vibrancy of the Williamsburg community which inspires a sense of pride and belonging. VALUES • Public art increases economic vitality • Public art is thought-provoking and inspires people to explore, connect, and pause within a physical space that speaks to the beauty and unique character of the City • Public art supports the education and celebration of the City’s past, present, and future through collaboration with community leaders and organizations • Public art stimulates the mind and heart, broadens the imagination, communicates a wide range of creative ideas, and promotes a sense of belonging • Public art should be fully accessible, inclusive, and diverse GOALS I. Develop policies and processes that support a dynamic public art program for the community, its businesses, and its visitors II. Identify suitable areas for public art, carefully evaluating the compatibility and environmental harmony of the art and its surroundings III. Cultivate a thriving arts community through engagement with artists, policymakers, and the public IV. Employ public art to enhance placemaking, create impactful experiences, and contribute to community cohesion I. Develop policies and processes that support a dynamic public art program for the community, its businesses, and its visitors. ACTION ITEMS Page 6 of 11  • Develop an annual budget to invest in, support and maintain public art projects • Collaborate with City Council and other municipal agencies to consider impacts of public art projects • Select installations that celebrate Williamsburg’s past, present and future • Determine appropriate plans for asset management and acquisition, consulting with trained staff as necessary • Set high standards to enhance our community’s quality of life II. Identify viable areas and projects for public art, carefully evaluating the compatibility and environmental harmony of the art and its surroundings. ACTION ITEMS • Conduct a Site Mapping program and identify locations and opportunities that are suited to creative installations • Adapt review processes to consider suitability of diverse types of public art projects, such as: Ephemeral/non-Permanent: Works that fall apart or degrade Curated: Pre-designed for a specific site Applied: Murals/sculptures that are building-mounted, highly visible, and large Integrated: Pavement/Building facades. Art made around a surface at hand Stand Alone: Sculpture/large structure. Site specific. Ex. Sculpture garden Multi-media: Audio/visual • Leverage the expertise of Art Council members to review all public art project proposals and artist qualifications III. Cultivate a thriving arts community through engagement with artists, policymakers, and the public. ACTION ITEMS • Initiate an arts outreach program and compile a directory of diverse artists and curators in multiple concentrations • Establish and sustain open communication with community organizations and the general public to encourage partnerships and inclusion • Conduct forums to share information, ideas, and expertise IV. Employ public art to enhance placemaking, create impactful experiences, and contribute to community cohesion. Page 7 of 11  ACTION ITEMS • Advance economic development opportunities through public art projects and special events • Utilize the public art program to reflect the identity of the entire community • Broaden the community’s awareness of arts and culture THE PUBLIC ART PLAN WAS APPROVED ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2022. Page 8 of 11  -DRAFT- GOALS & ACTION ITEMS – DETAILED I. Develop policies and processes that support a dynamic public art program for the community, its businesses, and its visitors. ACTION ITEMS • Develop an annual budget to invest in, support and maintain public art projects (FY24) Because the WPAC budget fluctuates yearly based on the CIP allocation, the annual budget should be based on a percentage formula, as outlined below: ▪ 70% - WPAC Projects and/or Commissions ▪ 20% - Grants ▪ 10% - Administrative Expenses • Collaborate with City Council and other municipal agencies to consider impacts of public art projects (ONGOING) o FY22 – FY24: Community Appreciation Day, Mural Program o FY25: African American Heritage Trail, Children’s Park, Vote Stickers, Other Projects as Established • Select installations that celebrate Williamsburg’s past, present and future (ONGOING) o FY22 – FY24: Mural Program o FY25: African American Heritage Trail, Children’s Park, Vote Stickers, Other Projects as Established • Determine appropriate plans for asset management and acquisition, consulting with trained staff as necessary (FY25) o FY25: WPAC and City staff will work to create guidelines, specifically for asset management and maintenance • Set high standards to enhance our community’s quality of life (ONGOING) o FY22 – FY24: Community Appreciation Day, Mural Program o FY25: African American Heritage Trail, Children’s Park, Vote Stickers, Other Projects as Established II. Identify viable areas and projects for public art, carefully evaluating the compatibility and environmental harmony of the art and its surroundings. ACTION ITEMS • Conduct a Site Mapping program and identify locations and opportunities that are suited to creative installations (ONGOING) o FY22 – FY24: WPAC and Staff conducted a driving tour of the City to identify locations that would be suitable for public art. WPAC has since established a Mural Program at Midtown Row and looks to expand its public art presence in other areas of the City. Page 9 of 11  o FY25: WPAC will look at potential for establishing a public art leasing program in a designated location within City. • Adapt review processes to consider suitability of diverse types of public art projects, such as: Ephemeral/non-Permanent: Works that fall apart or degrade Curated: Pre-designed for a specific site Applied: Murals/sculptures that are building-mounted, highly visible, and large Integrated: Pavement/Building facades. Art made around a surface at hand Stand Alone: Sculpture/large structure. Site specific. Ex. Sculpture garden Multi-media: Audio/visual (FY24) o The WPAC established guidelines for reviewing public art. These guidelines are posted to the City website. • Leverage the expertise of Art Council members to review all public art project proposals and artist qualifications (ONGOING) o FY22 – FY24: For each project or proposal reviewed, WPAC members have offered their own knowledge and feedback based on their own experience or viewpoint. o FY25: This process will continue with each project that comes before the WPAC. Additionally, each WPAC member will be assigned a focus within the group to help highlight and strengthen his or her area of expertise. III. Cultivate a thriving arts community through engagement with artists, policymakers, and the public. ACTION ITEMS • Initiate an arts outreach program and compile a directory of diverse artists and curators in multiple concentrations (FY24) o FY24: WPAC members will work with City staff to develop a database of contacts, including but not limited to: ▪ Artists and Artist Groups ▪ Artist Curators ▪ Artist Collectives ▪ Fabricators ▪ City Partners ▪ Regional Partners ▪ Community Members • Establish and sustain open communication with community organizations and the general public to encourage partnerships and inclusion (ONGOING) o FY22 – FY24: In the beginning months of its creation, the WPAC conducted information sessions and a public input survey to gather the community’s thoughts and ideas about types of public art and locations in the City. Working with City staff, the WPAC has continued to be open and communicative with the Page 10 of 11  public though events (Community Appreciation Day) and media (press releases, social media). o FY25: The WPAC will consider and implement a second round collecting public input. • Conduct forums to share information, ideas, and expertise (FY25) o FY25: The WPAC will work to develop a topic and format for an information sharing session. IV. Employ public art to enhance placemaking, create impactful experiences, and contribute to community cohesion. ACTION ITEMS • Advance economic development opportunities through public art projects and special events (FY24) o FY24: Mural Program at Midtown Row • Utilize the public art program to reflect the identity of the entire community (ONGOING) o FY22 – FY24: Mural Program o FY25: African American Heritage Trail, Children’s Park, Vote Stickers, Other Projects as Established • Broaden the community’s awareness of arts and culture (ONGOING) o FY22 – FY24: Mural Program o FY25: African American Heritage Trail, Children’s Park, Vote Stickers, Other Projects as Established Page 11 of 11